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Saturday, August 17, 2013

Graphic Novel Wish List

I've mentioned it before, but I took a graphic novel class awhile ago and I loved it. I found that I wanted to read more books in this format...and hopefully I've been showcasing some new titles on the blog. However, I want to read more! I need to utilize my library or my own money to keep up with all the titles I think sound great. At any rate, I thought I'd share what books I want to read soon and see if anyone had any thoughts or other ideas I should add to my list!

Neal Barton just wants to read in peace. Unluckily for him, some local Christian activists are trying to get his favorite fantasy series banned from the Americus public library on grounds of immoral content and heresy. Something has to be done, and it looks like quiet, shy Neal is going to have to do it. With youth services librarian Charlotte Murphy at his back, Neal finds himself leading the charge to defend the mega-bestselling fantasy series that makes his life worth living.

You only think you know this story. In 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer—the most notorious serial killer since Jack the Ripper—seared himself into the American consciousness. To the public, Dahmer was a monster who committed unthinkable atrocities. To Derf Backderf, "Jeff" was a much more complex figure: a high school friend with whom he had shared classrooms, hallways, and car rides. In My Friend Dahmer, a haunting and original graphic novel, writer-artist Backderf creates a surprisingly sympathetic portrait of a disturbed young man struggling against the morbid urges emanating from the deep recesses of his psyche—a shy kid, a teenage alcoholic, and a goofball who never quite fit in with his classmates.

Shortly before her thirtieth birthday, Forney was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Flagrantly manic and terrified that medications would cause her to lose creativity, she began a years-long struggle to find mental stability while retaining her passions and creativity.

Searching to make sense of the popular concept of the crazy artist, she finds inspiration from the lives and work of other artists and writers who suffered from mood disorders, including Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, William Styron, and Sylvia Plath. She also researches the clinical aspects of bipolar disorder, including the strengths and limitations of various treatments and medications, and what studies tell us about the conundrum of attempting to “cure” an otherwise brilliant mind.

Throughout the 1980s, the highest priority of Seattle-area police was the apprehension of the Green River Killer, the man responsible for the murders of dozens of women. But in 1990, with the body count numbering at least forty-eight, the case was put in the hands of a single detective, Tom Jensen. After twenty years, when the killer was finally captured with the help of DNA technology, Jensen and fellow detectives spent 188 days interviewing Gary Leon Ridgway in an effort to learn his most closely held secrets-an epic confrontation with evil that proved as disturbing and surreal as can be imagined. Written by Jensen's own son, acclaimed entertainment journalist Jeff Jensen,Green River Killer: A True Detective Storypresents the ultimate insider's account of America's most prolific serial killer.

Asher Machnik is a teenage boy cursed with a beautiful androgynous face. Guys punch him, girls slag him and by high school he's developed an intense fear of being touched. Art remains his only escape from an otherwise emotionally empty life. Eulalie Mason is the lonely, tough-talking dyke from school who befriends Ash. The only one to see and accept all of his sides as a loner, a fellow artist and a best friend, she's starting to wonder if ash is ever going to see all of her.... a + e 4EVER is a graphic novel set in that ambiguous crossroads where love and friendship, boy and girl, straight and gay meet. It goes where few books have ventured, into genderqueer life, where affections aren't black and white.

Is it weird that I'm most attracted to the novel about the serial killers? I'm a huge crime/mystery fan and these types of stories fascinate me (and give me chills). Can't wait to see what you think of these if you give them a try. :)

Goodness, My Friend Dahmer sounds like such a fascinating, unique and haunting read, I'll have to get a copy somehow and soon. We so rarely think about the other side of people, especially people like him. But he must have had one, right? So... curious.

You definitely have been doing a great job at showcasing graphic novels on the blog, Lauren! I've never really read any, but now I want to read them more than ever. Especially the ones that you've reviewed that have especially unique artwork because I'm drawn to that. Hopefully I'll be able to get a library card once I get set up at my new location and take advantage of it!